Chi Ali

Chi-Ali Griffith (born May 27, 1976, in The Bronx, New York) professionally known as Chi-Ali, is an American rapper, best known musically for his album The Fabulous Chi-Ali, which he recorded at the age of 14.

Music career

Chi first made his first appearance as Jeff on various B-Sides of singles from De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising. He reappeared as Chi-Ali two years later on Black Sheep's debut album A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing on "Pass the 40," a posse cut about drinking 40s, rocking women, and ripping the mic. Chi Ali at the time was a member of the Native Tongues and also had connections with the Legion family, along with Showbiz and AG.

Soon after "Pass the 40," Chi released his first solo single "Age Ain't Nothing But a #," which was a moderate hit. It was popular on urban radio stations, and the video got good rotation on Yo! MTV Raps and Rap City. The album in which the song was featured was released shortly thereafter, which yielded two other singles, "Roadrunner" and "Funky Lemonade," which were both remixed and rerecorded, making them different than their album versions. They featured Chi with a slightly more mature voice. It received mixed reviews.

Chi Ali seemingly disappeared from the hip hop world until the late 1990s, when he appeared on Dres's solo album Sure Shot Redemption. The album got little press and mixed, though overall good reviews.

Arrest and prison term

On January 14, 2000, Griffith shot and killed Sean Raymond, in the Bronx, New York.^[1] At the time, Griffith was dating Raymond's sister.^[1] He was charged with second-degree murder, as well as various lesser charges.^[1] An extensive manhunt resulted, with Griffith twice being featured on the TV program America's Most Wanted.^[1] He was apprehended on March 5, 2001,^[1] and was subsequently convicted of the killing.^[2] He is currently serving a 14-year sentence at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where he is prisoner number 04A0267.^[2]

Discography

Year	Title	Chart positions
		U.S. Billboard 200	U.S. Heatseekers
1992	The Fabulous Chi-Ali Released: March 24, 1992 Label: Relativity	189	8

See also

• Native Tongues Posse

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} Demby, Eric. "Ex-Rapper Chi-Ali Arrested A Year After Fleeing Murder Charge", MTV.com, March 14, 2001.
2. ^ ^{a b} Gale, Alex. "Find A Way - The Native Tongues, still doing vivrant things", Vibe magazine, February 2007 (Vol. 15, No. 2), p. 99.

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Name	Chi-Ali
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Date of birth	May 27, 1976
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Date of death
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